Sponsors:

T&A Building and Civil Engineering Contractors, Ballynoe are sponsors of St. Catherines GAA Club. Mulcahy Steel are sponsors of St. Catherines Juvenile GAA Club.

Leaving Cert results

Congratulations to all after their leaving cert results were revealed last month.

Eircode for the defibrillator situated on the wall of the gym is P51 H275

Though it only seems like a wet week since the completion of this year’s competition and while the dates for same will appear later in the year nevertheless the draws for the 2026 Munster Senior hurling championship are out. In a repeat pairing from the All-Ireland Senior final Tipperary will play Cork at Thurles in round 1. First home match sees the Rebels up against Limerick in round 2 in what will be a repeat of the Munster final. Then it’s off to Walsh Park. Before completing the round robin segment of the championship when meeting Clare at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh in round 5. Cork don’t play a round 4 fixture. Also next year’s Munster Senior hurling final will be played on a Sunday.

Though it’s not meeting with approval in Limerick and Clare, the provincial council on the basis of league standing have determined that Cork and Kerry be seeded in separate semi-final draws of next year’s Munster Senior football championship. A Cork team again managed by John Cleary for another two-year term. Right from the outset things just weren’t right with the Rebelettes in Croke Park. A crazy cross-field pass in front of their own posts was punished. It could and should have been worse. Their entire full forward line cleaned out. Two of them replaced. First touch well off. A penalty awarded which would have given them a savage footing as early as the tenth minute, missed. All this and a red card. Like the hurlers with Tipp and Cork, also inflicted a huge and significant loss on Galway in the league final. Chances are both Tipperary and Galway won’t remember that now. After a weeklong effort drumming up support you would have to say that 29,000 was a disappointing attendance. Even with six counties involved.

St. Catherines 0-15 Glen Rovers 1-14

For the second year in a row at the same stage of the competition on a remarkably similar scoreline, saw the Glen get the better of the Saints from this round one county championship tie at a sunny Lisgoold on Sunday afternoon last at 1.30pm. Influential score of the opening half and crucial finish of the hour, after a placed ball cannoned off the post back into play, saw an alert Shane Busteed first-time the breaking ball to the net and a Glen lead on a scoreline of 1-01 to 0-02 after five minutes. Goalscorer Busteed and Kevin Barry exchanged points after James Neville and Sean O’Donoghue had earlier converted. But thereafter, both teams struggled for scores from open play, exchanging fifteen wides between them to the interval. Two thirds on the side of the Saints.

Coming up to the break a duo of Rory Galvin points from placed balls saw a four point deficit halved, with the northside city club, who enjoyed a memorable weekend having overcome Erins Own in the Premier Senior 24 hours earlier and still ahead here, now on a half-time scoreline standing at 1-06 to 0-07.

A Saints goal wasn't allowed stand after Eoin Condon had the Saints back in front at 0-10 to 1-06 to 36 minutes. It was 0-11 to 1-07 after Shane Cotter pointed four minutes later with the Saints still holding on to the briefest of leads. Daniel Mangan able to pick out second half replacement, Brian Mulcahy for a neatly taken score, which now had it at 0-13 to 1-09 to 49 minutes. Eoin Davis added another from a long range free.

Corner back Evan O’Driscoll, making his first team championship debut, charging forward up the field before unleashing the score of the contest at 0-15 to 1-09, 22 minutes into the second half. But unfortunately that was it for the Saints. Glen Rovers pointing five unanswered scores, including a quartet of points shared equally between frees and general play from Evan Murphy right into at least four minutes overtime.

Meelin and St. Finbarrs are also in the group as the focus now shifts to the Junior B and C hurling championships this forthcoming weekend.

Scorers - R. Galvin (0-06 frees), S O’Donoghue (0-02), J. Neville, K. Barry, E. Condon, S. Cotter, B. Mulcahy, E. O’Driscoll and E. Davis (free) (0-01 each).

Glen Rovers scorers: E Murphy (0-04 frees) (0-01 "65") - 0-07, S Busteed (1-00), A. O’Sullivan and M. Dooley (0-02 each), D. Coughlan and B. Heffernan (free) (0-01 each).

St. Catherines team: E. Davis, E. O’Driscoll, E. O’Riordan, K. Neville, G. O’Brien, O. Fitzgerald, C. Hegarty, S. Cotter, B. O’Brien, J. Neville, R. Galvin, K. Barry, S. O’Donoghue, D. Mangan, E. Condon. Subs - J. Hayes for B. O’Brien (second half), B. Mulcahy for K. Barry ('42'), W. Leamy for J. Neville ('50'), R. O’Connell for D. Mangan ('59').

Referee: Michael O’Mahony (Kilbrittain).

St. Catherines 2-21 Mayfield 0-07

Pacy half forward Kyle O’Donoghue was the instigator in chief of an ideal start for the Saints from this round two minor hurling championship tie at a dry and mild Ballynoe on Wednesday evening, July 30th last. Picked out by Thomas Dee, before planting a third just at the end of the opening quarter. Kyle also pointed the final score of the first half just into time added on.

But in between brought the best out of Ben Foley in the opposition posts with the strategically well located John Temple ground stroking the resultant breaking ball to the net. Temple is good at that, not his first time to do it, think back. He has a good head. It was 1-03 to 0-02 after eleven minutes with the Saints now minus the services of a player to a straight red card, ahead on a 1-11 to 0-04 half-time scoreline.

Alan Cotter picked off some sublime points, though the score of the hour was landed by Lennon Doherty, pointing from out near the sideline just two minutes into the second half. Gearoid Sheehan was a dab hand at the frees, before aforementioned Temple finished off the second goal on 52 minutes... game over.

Football was back on the agenda for last night (Wednesday, August 6th), playing Carrigtwohill at Ballynoe. Next hurling game after that sees a return to O’Connell Park - see fixtures. Keep it going now lads.

Scorers - J. Temple (2-03), G. Sheehan (0-08 frees), A. Cotter (0-05), K. O’Donoghue (0-04) and E. O’Mahony (0-01).

Mayfield scorers: D. Lynch and C. McCarthy (frees) (0-02 each), C. O’Carroll, L. Doherty and C. Manning ('65') (0-01 each).

St. Catherines team: S. O’Donoghue, C. Murray, J. Kenneally, C. O’Driscoll, R. Hickey, S. Walsh, T. Clancy, L. Moore, C. Hickey, C. Barry, K. O’Donoghue, A. Cotter, T. Dee, J. Temple, G. Sheehan. Replacements: B. O’Connor for C. Barry ('37'), T. Walsh for T. Dee ('40'), S. McCarthy for C. O’Driscoll ('51'), L. Kilmartin for G. Sheehan ('53'), E. O’Mahony for J. Temple ('54').

Referee: Anthony O’Regan (Youghal).

Nemo Rangers 1-23 St. Catherines 1-11

Upsides their opponents at the interval, a Saints outfit restricted to the bare fifteen players eventually lost out to a stronger Nemo set-up in their opening U16 hurling championship tie played in Trabeg on Monday evening, July 28th last.

Scorers - A. Cotter (0-04 frees) (1-06), T. Walsh and K. O’Connell (0-02 each) and B. O’Connor (0-01).

St. Catherine's team: D. Temple, S. Moore, B. O’Connor, C. McCarthy, S. McCarthy, S. Walsh, E. Dillon, A. Cotter, R. Hickey, N. Keane, E. O’Mahony, R. O’Donoghue, T. Walsh, T. Morrison, K. O’Connell.

Referee: Pat Lyons (Bishopstown).

St. Catherines 5-14 Kildorrery 2-10

Down came the curtains on this part of the season with a well earned victory over game and gallant Kildorrery in a round six league encounter in sunny conditions at Ballynoe on Thursday evening last. Doubling as an U14 hurling tournament final for the Albert Griffin Cup. A Colm Fraher goal on eleven minutes reeling in early Saints domination. Restored by a three goal scoring splurge. Darragh Kenneally among the scorers. 

A late Luke Walsh goal ensuring a competitive outing with the home team to the fore on a 3-07 to 2-06 half-time scoreline. Two third-quarter David Temple goals saw him complete his hat-trick with the Saints in a strong position as the contest evolved.

Phil O’Brien made the postmatch presentation to successful Catherines captain Kenneth O’Connell, who finished as the game’s top scorer with a tally of 1-09, of which 1-07 came from open play.

Scorers - K. O’Connell (0-01 free) (0-01 "65") 1-09, D. Temple (3-01), D. Kenneally (1-00), A. Keane (0-03) and O. Sheehan (0-01).

Kildorrery scorers - E. Walsh (0-01 free) 0-05, C. Fraher (1-01), L. Walsh (1-00), M. Williams (0-03) and B. Walsh (0-01).

St. Catherines team: P. O’Sullivan, J. Mulkerrins, S. Moore, O. Feeney, C. Fitzgerald, G. Leahy, A. Coakley, K. O’Connell (team captain), A. Keane, O. Sheehan, N. Keane, Z. Pyne, D. Kenneally, D. Temple, S. Maguire. Subs: A. O’Gorman and O. O’Farrell for C. Fitzgerald and Z. Pyne (both second half), B. Coakley and R. Molloy for S. Maguire and D. Temple (both 45'), L. O’Keeffe for A. Keane ('47'), J. Bryan and T. Shiels for D. Kenneally and A. Coakley (both 54').

Referee: Arthur Murphy (Killeagh).

St Catherines 3-03 Killeagh 4-10

Both teams hadn't been setting the world on fire. Though an early Charlie Landers’ goal on three minutes would keep Killeagh to the fore for the duration of the opening half of this juvenile league tie at an overcast Ballynoe on Monday evening, July 28th last. Tim Cummins and Elliot Passaquay defending well and just before Mike Carey was about to blow for half-time, Adam Fitzgerald picked out Ronan Geaney for a Saints goal. Killeagh still ahead on a 1-02 to 1-00 scoreline. Though the Saints genuinely looked back in it. Party restored for the one and only time.

Sean Flynn at the end of a four-man move pouncing for a second goal at 2-00 to 1-03 now three minutes into the second half. Luke McCarthy O’Regan and Diarmuid Murphy were very good. Killeagh on top from there on in, were deserving winners.

Scorers - R. Geaney, S. Flynn and S. O’Keeffe (1-00 each), R. Coffey, R. Pietropaolo and C. Fitzgerald (free) (0-01 each).

St. Catherines team: T. Cummins, S. Cummins, J. Beecher, C. Kearney, A. Fitzgerald, E. Passaquay, R. Geaney, S. Flynn, C. Fitzgerald, S. O’Keeffe, C. O’Connor, C. Twomey, R. Pietropaolo. Also, R. Coffey, L. Fleming, P. Barry, O. Ryan and L. Kearney.

Referee: Michael Carey (Bride Rovers).

St Catherines 1-11 Valley Rovers 0-08

Perceived as a momentary setback with the appetite very much returning for this juvenile hurling league tie at a warm Ballynoe on early on Saturday/afternoon last. That said a very good Valley Rovers team struck for the opening duo of scores inside three minutes, with Adam Fitzgerald and Ronan Geaney beginning to exert an influence around the middle of the pitch, before the ever dangerous Alex Keane struck for the Saints and the game’s only goal on eight minutes. Confidence further boosted.

Pacy corner forwards Robbie Pietropaolo and Sean O’Keeffe with back to back points late in the opening half stretching it out on a 1-05 to 0-04 interval scoreline.

Make no mistake Valley would come back. But Sean Flynn, James Beecher, Cathal Kearney and Ciaran O’Connor were excellent. Valley relying on the accuracy of Niall Guinane for scores off placed balls.

There will be football in Midleton next week - see fixtures. Off to Blarney for hurling after that.

Scorers - A. Keane (0-03 frees) (0-01"65") 1-08, R. Pietropaolo, S. O’Keeffe and A. Fitzgerald (0-01 each).

Valley Rovers scorers: N. Guinane (0-05 frees), L .O’Donoghue, P. Carey and R. Cullinane (0-01 each).

St. Catherines team: S. Flynn, C. Twomey, J. Beecher, S. Cummins, D. Linehan, C. Kearney, C. O’Connor, A. Fitzgerald, R. Geaney, C. Fitzgerald, A. Keane, E. Passaquay, S. O’Keeffe, D. Fitzgerald, R. Pietropaolo. Also: L. Kearney, O. Ryan and R. Coffey.

Referee: Jonathon O’Connell (Glenville).

Round 1 group 3 East Cork Oil East Cork Junior B Hurling Championship

Castlelyons 0-17 St Catherines 1-16

Safe to say and probably favoured by the prevailing conditions, Castlelyons were making the livelier and better start to this divisional round 1 game played at a dry, albeit overcast Rathcormac on Saturday evening last at 7pm. All 2 inside forwards, Jack Cremin, Brian Spillane and Robert Feeney were on the scoreboard and twice in those opening exchanges had established a 5 point lead. Including 0-08 to 0-3 right to the end of the opening quarter. A contest from there on in slowly yet surely turning. Gavin England, working so hard all the way through, popped over the Saints’ opening score from play. Stephen Cotter skilfully followed when the game’s defining moment unfolded in a flash. Team captain Matthew Mulcahy from a probing delivery around the middle and in the race for possession aforementioned Cotter secured the vital touch for the Saints’ and the game’s only goal. So quickly that scoreboard had turned. Those 5 point trailings turning right around. Catherines in an instant enjoying their greatest period of dominance over the hour and ahead on a 1-08 to 0-08 scoreline to 25 minutes. Hauled back at 1-09 to 0-10 by the interval.

Ciaran Leamy with the Saints’ closing score of the half and taking a Timmy Barry handpass pointed their first within seconds of the turnover. Overall though these were two very much evenly matched teams. Little, often nothing keeping them apart. Ten of the fourteen second half scores procured from the free-taking skills and accuracy of Diarmuid ‘Doc’ O’Connell and Brian O’Donovan. Ronan Fenton and Ciaran Pietropaolo points had the teams level for a fifth time at 1-14 to 0-17 to 57 minutes. See how close it was. Two late O’Connell points from placed balls edging the Saints over the line. Grateful for the vigilance of Jake Bryan all through and especially the finish. Castlemartyr and Aghada complete the group. There will be two matches in the Junior C hurling championship this week.

Scorers: D O’Connell (0-09 frees) (1-01 “65”) (0-11), S Cotter (1-01), C Leamy (0-02), G England and C Pietropaolo (0-01 each). Castlelyons scorers: B O’Donovan (0-07 frees) (0-01 “65”) (0-09), R Feeney, B Spillane and R Fenton (0-02 each), S Flynn and J Cremin (0-01 each).

St Catherine’s team: J Bryan, D O’Donovan, C McCarthy, C McAuliffe, C Pietropaolo, T Barry, D O’Connell, M Mulcahy (team captain), G England, M Geary, C Hayes, C Leamy, S Cotter, H Draper. Subs used: O O’Neill for M Geary (40’), A Neville for S Cotter (47’), G Sheehan for C McAuliffe (51’). Also E Sheehan and C Hickey. Referee: Michael Carey (Bride Rovers).

St Catherines 3-08 Carrigtwohill 4-14

Carrigtwohill were the better team and deserving winners of this round 2 championship tie in conditions with a distinctly autumnal feel to them when played at an overcast Ballynoe on Wednesday evening, August 6th. Opening quarter goals from Ben Fitzgerald, Jarlath Cullimore and Tom Walsh had them in a very strong position and ahead on a half time scoreline standing at 3-06 to 0-05. In fairness the Saints plugged away gallantly albeit against the elements on the change of ends. Rewarded with a Shane O’Donoghue goal just at the end of the third quarter. Sean Walsh goaling from a penalty kick shortly afterwards. By now Tadg Walsh and Cathal Higgins are sampling the action. Both doing well on introduction. Cathal Higgins popping up for the third goal very near the end. Back to hurling in Cobh last evening, Wednesday, August 13th.

Scorers: J O’Connor (0-04 frees), S O’Donoghue, C Higgins and S Walsh (pen) (1-00 each), A Cotter (0-02), J Temple and B O’Connor (0-01 each). 

St Catherine’s team: T Dee, S McCarthy, T Clancy, C O’Driscoll, R Hickey, S Walsh, C Hickey, L Moore, A Cotter, B O’Connor, J O’Connor, C Barry, K O’Donoghue, J Temple, S O’Donoghue. Subs: T Walsh and C Higgins for C Barry and J O’Connor (both 44’). Referee: Anthony O’Regan (Youghal).

St Catherines 2-03 Killeagh 4-13

Killeagh were much too strong when running out easy and emphatic winners of this round 2 championship tie at a windy Ballynoe on bank holiday Monday, August 4th last.

Scorers: C Higgins (1-01), S Walsh (1-00 penalty), T Walsh and A Cotter (free) (0-01 each).

St Catherine’s team: J Cunneen, S O’Keeffe, S McCarthy, C McCarthy, N Keane, S Walsh, E Dillon, A Cotter, K O’Connell, R Hickey, B O’Connor, C Higgins, D Temple, T Walsh, T Morrison. Subs: C Fitzgerald for K O’Connell (26’), A O’Gorman for T Morrison (second half), T Morrison for D Temple (44’). Referee: Michael Carey (Bride Rovers).

Fermoy 1-11 St Catherines 0-17

Two teams producing a high scoring share of the spoils in the round robin stages of the competition at Ballynoe back on Monday, June 16th last. It shouldn’t come as any surprise then that St Catherines and Fermoy should again serve up a decider between two even and well-matched teams, albeit short a few regulars on both sides, when this U16 hurling league final came around. 

Topping the group and with an U14 clash between the home team and Watergrasshill on before a decider sensibly put back to Friday evening last in in Fermoy at 7.30pm. Officially getting underway at 7.35pm. With the visitors visually making the better start. Shading it at 0-05 to 0-03 just beyond the opening quarter. A 2 point separating margin maintained to the interval with the Saints still ahead on a half time scoreline now standing at 0-07 to 0-05. Kenneth O’Connell, workmanlike, adding to the tally early on the turnover. Adam Keohane was doing a great job for the home team. Razor sharp with points, be they off frees or coming from general play. Fermoy then receiving a savage psychological boost. Lucas Murray weaving his way through for the game’s only goal and a lead of 1-07 to 0-08 to 38 minutes. Tadgh Walsh among the scorers as again little or nothing would keep these teams apart. 

In fairness Catherines recovering well from the concession of the goal. Not allowing it to mentally upset them. Teams together at 1-07 to 0-10, 1-08 to 0-11 and again at 1-09 to 0-12. Regaining the initiative again with a powerfully struck Shane Riordan point. Catherines back in front and ahead by the minimum at 0-13 to 1-09. Twenty-five minutes elapsing on the second half clock. All very much in the melting pot now. Talk about excitement. Converting back-to-back frees, just to give you further proof of how close and exciting this was. Level for the fifty time. On a scoreline of 0-14 to 1-11 to 58 minutes. Anything could happen. Who was going to take control with such limited time left? Who could stamp his authority? Alan Cotter provided that leadership. Excellent all through before adding three unanswered points, two from play, in the time remaining. Kind of scores deserving to win any game. Yet still you couldn’t say it was won. Fermoy laying siege in whatever was left. Sean O’Keeffe and Billy ‘Boppers’ O’Connor put to the pin of their collars. Game over. David O’Sullivan, umpire with referee David Twomey’s excellent team representing Rebel Óg North made the post-match presentation, successful Saints’ captain Shane Walsh the recipient. Championship now in full swing.

Fermoy scorers: A Keohane (0-05 frees) (0-01 “65”) (0-09), L Murray (1-00), F O’Dwyer and D Morrison (0-01 each). St Catherine’s scorers: A Cotter (0-07 frees) (0-11), S Riordan (0-02), R Hickey, K O’Connell, T Walsh and S Walsh (free) (0-01 each). 

St Catherine’s team: S O’Keeffe, N Keane, B O’Connor, C McCarthy, S McCarthy, S Walsh (captain), E Dillon, A Cotter, K O’Connell, S Riordan, R Hickey, C Higgins, T Morrison, T Walsh, D Temple. Also: J Cunneen and C Fitgerald. Referee: Dave Twomey (Shanballymore).

Group 1 round 2 CoOp Superstores County Premier Junior Hurling Championship

St Catherines 0-23 Meelin 1-08

A share of the spoils being the end result in the last competitive meeting between the teams ironically also handled by Colm Maher when played in Kildorrery two years ago, almost to the day. We warned you to look out for something similar. Well, it wasn't. Overall a disappointing round 2 championship tie played at an overcast Fr Con Buckley Park in Buttevant on Saturday evening last with a 4.30pm throw in. Allowing for an almost embarrassing wides tally a championship outing largely dominated by the East Cork team.

Every contest you witness will have what ifs. Close shaves. Shane Hehir had a goal chance smartly kept out by an alert Eoin Davis. Eventually a free out given. There was that probing flick by the ever-threatening Kevin Barry barely careering wide. Bit more luck when skilfully measuring the conditions before pointing a 65 on 26 minutes, converting his 5th score of the opening half with the Saints heading for the half time dressing room ahead on a 0-08 to 0-05 interval scoreline. It could and should have been more.

Points were exchanged quickly on the change of ends. Before the Saints embarked on an uninterrupted 10 point scoring spree with six different players contributing with the Saints now to the good on a 0-19 to 0-06 scoreline. Nineteen minutes gone in the second-half. Oisin Fitzgerald playing centre forward, regularly on the mark. Eoin Condon, Gearoid O'Brien and the just introduced Ben O'Brien among others also making the register. Remember too the whites tally continues to mount. Wingback Nick Linehan goaled from a place ball. A score of a consolation nature on 56 minutes. Shane Cotter pointed 2 last quarter scores in an emphatic victory. So it all comes down to Friday, September 5th and that meeting with St Finbarrs in Carrigtwohill. 7.30pm because they have lights.

Scorers: K Barry (0-05 frees) (0-01 “65”) (0-09), O Fitzgerald (0-05), G O’Brien, E Condon and S Cotter (0-02 each), B O’Brien, R Galvin and E Davis (free) (0-01 each). Meelin scorers: N Linehan (1-02 frees) (1-03), J Curtin (0-02), J O’Callaghan, J McAuliffe and J Forrest (free) (0-01 each).

St Catherine’s team: E Davis, E O’Driscoll, E O’Riordan, K Neville, G O’Brien, C Hegarty, K O’Donoghue, J Hayes, S Cotter, J Neville, O Fitzgerald, S O’Donoghue, B Mulcahy, K Barry, E Condon. Subs: B O’Brien for K O’Donoghue (34’), R O’Connell for B Mulcahy (37’), R Galvin for G O’Brien (46’), W Leamy for E Condon (51’). Referee: Colm Maher (Buttevant).

Youghal 2-10 St Catherines 1-21

St Catherine’s third choice outfit making a winning start when this round 1 tie went ahead at Magnier’s Hill on Monday evening, August 11th. Just a point adrift (2-06 to 1-08) at half time in an always competitive championship outing and inspired by a dominant halfback line of Ray Collins, Darragh Galvin and in particular Liam O’Connor, the scores mainly through the accuracy of Kevin Dinneen followed, ensuring a five point success at game’s end.

Scorers: K Dinneen (1-01 sideline cuts) (0-04 frees) (1-07), L O’Connor (0-04), D Temple (0-03), R Clancy and J Murphy (0-02 each), D Murphy, C Hickey and J Mulcahy (0-01 each).

St Catherine’s team: E Sheehan, G O’Callaghan McCarthy, D Lane, C Sheehan, R Collins, L O’Connor, D Galvin, J Hurley, C Bryan, D Murphy, R Clancy, J Murphy, D Temple, C Leahy, K Dinneen. Subs: E Kenneally for D Lane (second half), C Hickey for C Leany (35’), T Hartnett for J Murphy (38’), J Mulcahy and A Leahy for D Temple and C Sheehan (both 41’). Also: W McAuliffe, B Barry, T Dee, L O’Callaghan McCarthy and J Casey. Referee: Ben Daly (Russell Rovers).

Cobh 3-12 St Catherines 4-28

Virtually a complete reversal from football fortunes three weeks previously when this round 3 tie went ahead at Cobh’s floodlit second choice pitch on Wednesday evening, August 13th. Boosted by an early Gearoid Sheehan goal on 6 minutes with 10 of the starting 15 making the register. Becoming 11 following the introduction of Tadg Walsh 10 minutes into the second half. Jason Cotter and Alex Finnegan were Cobh’s best. Now there are back-to-back championship encounters over both codes with Castlelyons.

Scorers: A Cotter (1-07), G Sheehan (0-03 frees) (0-02 “65”) (1-06), S O’Donoghue (1-03), K O’Donoghue (1-02), C Barry, T Dee and T Walsh (0-02 each), L Moore, C O’Driscoll, C Hickey and S Walsh (free) (0-01 each).

St Catherine’s team: C Higgins, C Murray, J Kenneally, C O’Driscoll, B O’Connor, S Walsh, T Clancy, C Hickey, L Moore, C Barry, K O’Donoghue, A Cotter, T Dee, S O’Donoghue, G Sheehan. Replacements: S McCarthy and T Walsh for C Murray and T Dee (both 40’). Referee: Padraig Walsh (Clonakilty/Midleton).

St Catherines 4-23 Fr O’Neills 3-06

In fairness to Fr O’Neills their second goal had reduced the deficit between the teams to just 2 points 3 minutes into the second half. But the Saints took over completely after that when this round 2 tie went ahead in early autumn sunshine at Ballynoe on Monday evening, August 11th. Billy O’Connor, Eoin Dillon and Sean Walsh dominated at the back. Alan Cotter and Kenneth O’Connell were on top in the middle of the field. All 6 starting forwards scored. It was a vital win after the loss above in Trabeg. Keeping the successful run going following the league final inside in Fermoy three evenings previously.

Scorers: A Cotter (0-03 frees) (2-08), T Walsh (0-01 free) (1-05), R O’Donoghue (1-01), K O’Connell (0-03), C Higgins (0-02), S Riordan, T Morrison, R Hickey and D Temple (0-01 each).

St Catherine’s team: S O’Keeffe, N Keane, B O’Connor, C McCarthy, S McCarthy, S Walsh, E Dillon, A Cotter, K O’Connell, S Riordan, R Hickey, C Higgins, R O’Donoghue, T Walsh, T Morrison. Subs: S Moore for C McCarthy (38’), J Cunneen for T Morrison (40’), D Temple and C Fitzgerald for E Dillon and N Keane (both 48’). Referee: Peter O’Donovan (Carrig na bhFear).

St Colmans 2-09 St Catherines 3-11

Conditions excelled for this Juvenile Hurling Championship semi-final when played in Cloyne on Thursday evening last. Throw-in brought forward to 6.45pm with the visitors making a brisk start. David Temple pulling on a loose ball to the net for the lead goal as early as the third minute. Colmans responding and four points, including three from play from their best player captain Christopher Coughlan would see parity resorted for a second time in the opening exchanges on a 1-01 to 0-04 scoreline after 11 minutes. Both Saints’ cornerbacks Jack Mulkerrins and Cian Fitzgerald defended as if their lives depended on it. Midfield was enjoying a monopoly and the sliotar was regularly bandied about the opposition’s rearguard. A Sean O’Keeffe goal on 25 minutes to which the hardworking Noah Keane added another in time added on following a lengthy stoppage after a Colman’s player picked up an injury and the Saints found themselves in a strong position by the interval. Now ahead on a half time scoreline standing at 3-07 to 0-05.

What was noticeable on the turnover was that Colmans had completely rearranged their midfield set-up. Nevertheless, Saints captain Kenneth O’Connell and partner Alex Keane were still playing a prominent role. Keane scoring all four second half points all from play. Substitute Luke Nugent struck for 1-01 late in the day. Proving just consolation scores. It was the Saints second time to upset the applecart in this championship. Mentors tell me to expect a mid-September final.

Scorers: S O’Keeffe (0-02 frees) (0-01 “65”) (1-03), A Keane (0-06), N Keane (1-01), D Temple (1-00) and K O’Connell (0-01). St Colman’s scorers: C Coughlan (0-02 frees) (0-01 “65”) (0-07), L Nugent (1-01), D Philips (1-00) and A Murphy (0-01).

St Catherine’s team: P O’Sullivan, J Mulkerrins, S Moore, C Fitzgerald, O Feeney, G Leany, A Coakley, K O’Connell (captain), A Keane, Z Pyne, N Keane, D Kenneally, O O’Farrell, S O’Keeffe, D Temple. Subs: O Sheehan for O O’Farrell (51’), S Maguire for D Temple (56’), B Coakley for D Kenneally (59’). Also: A O’Gorman and J Bryan. Referee: Willie Wallis (Aghada).

Midleton 3-08 St Catherines 7-05

St Catherines were ahead by the slimmest of margins (1-04 to 1-03) at the end of a low-key opening half of this round 3 tie played in Midleton (just off the Cork-Waterford road) on Tuesday evening, August 12th. Springing to life in the early stages of the turnover. Blessed with pace and possessing a vicious sidestep Sean O’Keeffe released Rhys Coffey to goal from a delightful finish. O’Keeffe again and Alex Keane added further quickly taken goals, and the Saints were in a strong position. It was only to be expected Midleton would come back. Their second penalty awarded cannoned off the crossbar with Matthew Greene goaling the rebound. Further scores from Adam Fitzgerald, Darragh Fitzgerald, Robbie Pietropaolo and Cillian Fitzgerald confirmed a well-earned Saints’ win. Youghal are visitors this upcoming weekend.

Scorers: A Keane (2-00), R Pietropaolo (0-01 free), A Fitzgerald (0-02 frees) (0-04), R Coffey, S O’Keeffe, D Fitzgerald and C Fitzgerald (1-00 each). St Catherine’s team: C Kearney, C Twomey, J Beecher, E Passaquay, S Cummins, S Flynn, C O’Connor, A Fitzgerald, C Fitzgerald, R Pietropaolo, S O’Keeffe, L Kearney, D Fitzgerald, A Keane, R Coffey. Also L Fleming. Referee: Barry Day (Aghada).

Round 2 Michael O’Connor Motors East Cork Junior B Football Championship

Bride Rovers 1-05 St Catherines 2-13

St Catherines were able to keep their winning run going following a solid victory over Bride Rovers in this round 3 tie played at a humid, overcast Castlelyons on Saturday afternoon last at 3pm. Oisin Fitzgerald was central to all things good about the Saints as the first half opened up. Setting up Will Leamy for the game’s opening score in the second minute. Providing the key pass as Eoin Condon weaved his way through for a well taken goal from a tightish angle four minutes later. Pointing himself before unleashing a two pointer later on with the Saints deservedly ahead and in the lead on a half time scoreline standing at 1-08 to 0-03.

In fairness the Rovers were enjoying the greater amount of possession on the turnover. Rewarded with Frank O’Flynn working hard and finishing off the goal. Trimming the deficit to four points at 1-08 to 1-04 just six minutes into the third quarter. A feature of the second half saw early replacement Philip Keane kicking over a trio of well taken points and although Ben Hogan did well when denying the Saints a goal from a penalty kick, up stepped Eoin Condon to goal a second Saints’ penalty kick on 57 minutes which virtually had them out of sight. That’s three from three now although St Catherines will be back in Castlelyons playing Glenville in round 5 towards the end of September according to the master plan.

Scorers: E Condon (1-00 pen) (2-01), O Fitzgerald (0-05), P Keane (0-03), W Leamy, J Hayes, E Davis and C Leamy (0-01 each). Bride Rovers scorers: F O’Flynn (1-00), D O’Sullivan (0-02 frees), C O’Sullivan, O Kielthy and C O’Riordan (free) (0-01 each).

St Catherine’s team: T Dee, J Neville, D O’Donovan, C McCarthy, N Sheehan, L O’Connor, E O’Driscoll, E O’Riordan, J Hayes (team captain), W Leamy, E Kenneally, E Davis, D O’Connell, O Fitzgerald, E Condon. Subs: P Keane for E Kenneally (11’), C Leamy for D O’Connell (43’), C Hayes for W Leamy (49’), G Sheehan for E Condon (58’). Referee: David Butler (Carrigtwohill).

Glenville 1-07 St Catherines 2-13

Safe to say it was late in the day when the Saints were assured of collecting the spoils from this round 2 championship tie when played in Glenville on Thursday evening last at 8pm. With Cobh not fulfilling the previous fixture which was down for the end of last month it leaves the Saints in a strong position in group 1 with one game left to be played in the round robin of what is a 13-a-side competition. Glenville off to a flyer. Johnny Dorgan goaling an unstoppable drive within a minute of the throw-in. Alan Busteed and Denis Buttimer adding points. Making it 1-02 to 0-02 inside 10 minutes. Ciaran Leamy and Evan O’Driscoll excellent in an ever-improving tightening visitor rearguard. Regular forays out from the back, surging up field. Conor Hayes the beneficiary of a further brace of points. Parity had been restored by 19 minutes. Catherines ever so slightly shading it and now ahead by the slimmest of margins on a half time scoreline standing at 0-07 to 1-03.

Ciaran Pietropaolo adding to the tally within 90 seconds of the resumption of what was for the visitors a lucrative third quarter. Denis Temple had a dinger of a game – points on 34, 40 and 42 minutes adding to the 2 already scored in the first half now making it 0-11 to 1-05 to the 45 minute mark and beyond. But only very briefly could a 4 point cushion be opened up. Each time hauled in by an always stubborn, tenacious Glenville challenge. Some good Eoin Fitzgerald points, be it general play or frees forthcoming when in the twinkling of an eye this thus far evenly contested championship encounter was more or less decided. Owen O’Neill, who had earlier pointed a few valuable scores off frees taken from the hands, pouncing for back-to-back goals four minutes apart very near the finish. No comeback from that. Game over. O’Neill the hero, four points in the bag after two outings, even if one was decided by concession with Youghal to be round 3 opposition. Down for mid-September according to the master plan. Happy days!

Scorers: O O’Neill (0-04 frees) (2-04), D Temple (0-05), C Hayes (0-03) and C Pietropaolo (0-01). Glenville scorers: E Fitzgerald (0-03 frees) (0-04), J Dorgan (1-00), A Busteed, D Buttimer and C Buckley (0-01 each).

St Catherine’s team: J Hurley, G O’Callaghan McCarthy, C Leamy, R McConville (captain), E O’Driscoll, P Keane, C Hayes, R Clancy, D Temple, O O’Neill, B Barry, J Casey, C Pietropaolo. Replacements: J Mulcahy and L Heffernan for B Barry and J Casey (both second half), L O’Callaghan McCarthy for G O’Callaghan McCarty (56’). Referee: Peter O’Donovan (Carrig na bhFear).

Castlelyons 1-10 St Catherines 0-07

It was the home team settling to their task much the quicker when this Minor football championship tie went ahead in gloomy, overcast conditions at Castlelyons on Wednesday evening, August 20th last. Ronan Hickey, Ciaran Murphy and others among the early scorers in establishing a 0-06 to 0-02 interval advantage. But Catherines were much better on the change of ends. Twice trimming the deficit to the minimum one point. Including 0-06 to 0-05 and when Billy O’Connor kicked over a free it stood at 0-07 to 0-06 right at the end of the third quarter. Tadgh Walsh, Shane O’Donoghue, Cillian Hickey and later Eoghan O’Mahony converted some glorious, well taken scores. But the key finish was the Castlelyons and game’s only goal finished off by Sean O’Callaghan on 47 minutes. Unfortunately both teams are now out of the Minor football championship. Cobh and Carrigtwohill emerging from the group. Both St Catherines and Castlelyons were to have met in round 4 of the hurling championship yesterday evening in Ballynoe, (Wednesday, August 27th).

Scorers: J O’Connor (0-02 frees), T Walsh, S O’Donoghue, C Hickey, E O’Mahony and B O’Connor (free) (0-01 each). St Catherine’s team: T Dee, S McCarthy, C Murray, C O’Driscoll, R Hickey, S Walsh, B O’Connor, C Hickey, L Moore, C Barry, G Sheehan, E O’Mahony, S O’Donoghue, J O’Connor, C Higgins. Subs: T Walsh for G Sheehan (17’), G Sheehan for E O’Mahony (37’), E O’Mahony for S O’Donoghue (47’). Referee: Tadgh O’Connor (Killeagh).

St Catherines 3-06 St Vincents 2-11

In fairness, 4 point margins twice separated two well-matched teams from this juvenile tie played at an overcast Ballynoe on Monday evening, August 18th. St Vincents, who now also combine Delaneys and Brian Dillons players looked to carry the greater threat. But it was the home team securing the key early scores. Cathal Higgins finishing off the Saints’ and game’s opening goal on 2 minutes. Sean Walsh goaling a penalty kick following a foul on Alan Cotter making it 2-02 to 0-04 after 23 minutes. Lee Coughlan was very good for the opposition, and he set up Davyn Meagher down to the minimum 1 point. St Catherines ahead on a 2-03 to 1-05 half time scoreline.

That narrow lead reversing itself to the end of the third quarter. There were scores from Kenneth O’Connell and a few pointed frees from Billy ‘Boppers’ O’Connor. Always hard-working Shane Riordan scored the third goal. It was 2-08 to 3-04 to 45 minutes and beyond. Teams level from there on in before two late Oisin Valelly points secured a narrow success for the northside club. It was back to hurling championship this week.

Scorers: C Higgins and S Riordan (1-01 each), S Walsh (1-00 penalty), B O’Connor (0-02 frees), A Cotter and K O’Connell (0-01 each).

St Catherine’s team: J Cunneen, N Keane, E O’Mahony, C McCarthy, S McCarthy, S Walsh, E Dillon, A Cotter, S Riordan, R Hickey, B O’Connor, C Higgins, K O’Connell, T Morrison, R O’Donoghue. Replacements: S Moore for C McCarthy (second half), S O’Keeffe for T Morrison (41’), A Burke for E Dillon (51’). Referee: Arthur Murphy (Killeagh).

St Catherines v Youghal

St Catherines were much too strong and resultingly too good for a clean and sporting Youghal in this juvenile football league tie at a warm Ballynoe on Saturday afternoon last. It’s back to hurling this weekend. Playing in Blarney on Friday evening coming.

Scorers: S O’Keeffe (2-03), C Fitzgerald (0-03 frees) (0-01 “45”) (0-08), R Geaney (2-01), R Coffey (1-01), A Fitzgerald and R Pietropaolo (0-01 “45”) (0-04 each), A Keane and C O’Connor (0-01 each).

St Catherine’s team: A Fitzgerald, C Kearney, S Cummins, P Barry, C Twomey, S Flynn, C O’Connor, R Geaney, C Fitzgerald, R Pietropaolo, A Keane, L Kearney, D Fitzgerald, S O’Keeffe, R Coffey. Referee: Jonathon O’Connell (Glenville).

St Catherines 4-08 Fr O’Neills 9-05

In fairness this game was being bandied about for a while. Then with the mutual agreement of both clubs ,was decided upon for Ballynoe on Saturday evening last. Too late for inclusion in last week’s fixture list. A virtual goal feast with both teams taking it in turns to assume control. Two water breaks allowed for, one in each half, with O’Neills significantly pulling away in the final quarter. Letting you know Whitechurch will be opposition in the final of the division 2 Rebel Óg East U14 hurling championship. Don’t have the exact date. But look out for the second weekend of September.

Scorers: K O’Connell (3-02), N Keane (0-02 frees) (1-02), D Rahal (0-03) and S O’Keeffe (free) (0-01).

St Catherine’s team: S Maguire, C Fitzgerald, S Moore, J Mulkerrins, O Sheehan, G Leamy, A Coakley, K O’Connell, N Keane, L O’Keeffe, S O’Keeffe (captain), D Kenneally, O O’Farrell, D Temple, R Molloy. Subs: D Rahal for S Moore (12’), A O’Connor for J Mulkerrins (39’), B Coakley for R Molloy (48’), J Bryan and T Shiels for O O’Farrell and S O’Keeffe (both 53’). Referee: Barry Day (Aghada).